Sacramento – The Institute for Local Government (ILG) and California Special Districts Association (CSDA) recently recognized the first-ever special district to receive a Beacon Award for excellence in advancing environmental sustainability. The Turlock Irrigation District (TID) was awarded a Beacon Leadership and Innovation Award at CSDA’s 2021 Annual Conference held August 30-September 2, 2021 in Monterey.
The Beacon Program has been in existence for over a decade and has over 160 city, county and special district participants. This is the first year that special districts have been able to participate. The Beacon Program includes a cohort-based peer learning component and an awards program.
TID was recognized with a Beacon Award for their Water Management Operations Program. The program has combined innovative technology with research, assessment and data-driven decision making to promote climate resilience. Prior to this program, TID relied on information from 17 measurement points. Now, the new technology implemented through this program gives TID access to three billion measurements that allow water managers to make exacting decisions with 97% accuracy. These data-driven decisions help preserve the State’s water supply and serve all of its customers in a fair and just manner.
“We are excited to welcome special districts into our flagship Beacon Program,” said Erica L. Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government. “Our special district partners, like fire districts, water districts and transportation districts, are at the forefront of managing the impacts of extreme weather events, natural disasters and other climate impacts. They are a natural fit for the Beacon Program to get the recognition they deserve for their innovative ideas and leadership helping to make California’s communities more sustainable and more resilient.”
The Innovation and Leadership Awards are new categories of Beacon Awards that were just launched this year. They aim to celebrate local governments’ efforts to implement collaborative, inclusive and equitable climate resilience and adaptation programming.
“Congratulations to Turlock Irrigation District for receiving the Beacon Award,” said Neil McCormick, CEO of the California Special Districts Association. “The innovation and leadership displayed in TID’s Water Management Operations Program is a sampling of the great work special districts do to advance environmental sustainability in their communities. We appreciate the partnership with the Institute for Local Government and for this new opportunity for special districts to be included in the Beacon Program and this award opportunity.”
In addition to recognizing the Turlock Irrigation District, ILG has also recently welcomed two districts into the cohort portion of the program: the Citrus Heights Water District and the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District. These two organizations have a proven track record of implementing policies and programs to improve air and water quality and are constantly looking for more efficient ways to provide customized services to meet the specific needs of their customers in a way that is both environmentally and economically prudent.
ILG established the Beacon Program to provide recognition and support for California local agencies that are working to build more vibrant and sustainable communities. Beacon honors voluntary efforts by cities, counties and special districts that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy and adopting policies that promote sustainability. Through Beacon, ILG offers guidance, training and support for implementing and documenting sustainability best practices, obtaining and analyzing energy data and highlighting the accomplishments of local agencies. For more information about the Beacon Program and current participants, visit www.ca-ilg.org/BeaconProgram.
About the Institute for Local Government
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is the non-profit training and education affiliate of the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties and the California Special Districts Association, which represent 1000s of local agencies across the state. ILG helps local officials and staff navigate the constantly changing landscape of their jobs by offering training, technical assistance, written resources and facilitation services specifically designed for local agencies. From leadership to public engagement to housing and workforce, ILG helps local leaders with a wide range of issues. Visit www.ca-ilg.org to find out more.
About the California Special Districts Association
The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) is a 501c(6), not-for-profit association that was formed in 1969 to promote good governance and improve core local services through professional development, advocacy and other services for all types of independent special districts. Since 1969, CSDA has been offering its members cost-efficient programs and representation at the State Capitol and boasts a membership of over 1,300 organizations throughout California. CSDA is the only statewide association representing all types of independent special districts including irrigation, water, park and recreation, cemetery, fire, police protection, library, utility, harbor, healthcare and community services districts...just to name a few. CSDA provides education and training, insurance programs, legal advice, industry-wide litigation and public relations support, legislative advocacy, capital improvement and equipment funding, collateral design services and, most importantly, current information that is crucial to a special district's management and operational effectiveness. Visit www.csda.net to find out more.
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